AM/NS India and ICAR-IARI explore the application of iron ore tailings in agronomy

The partnership between AM/NS India and ICAR-IARI aims to find ways to safely use iron ore tailings (IOTs) as a resource for crop production. These wastes are generated during ore processing and contain silica, iron oxides, aluminum, calcium, magnesium, and other trace elements, which are potentially beneficial for crop nutrition and maintaining soil health.

The agreement is a follow-up to preliminary studies initiated in 2024. Initial laboratory and field tests conducted in New Delhi and near the Kirandul plant (Chhattisgarh) have shown promise for using the material in the cultivation of wheat, rice, and vegetable crops. As part of the new long-term project, scientists plan to evaluate plant response to the application of IOTs, study their effect on nutrient availability, potential phytotoxicity, leaching characteristics, and environmental impacts.

According to ICAR-IARI representatives, scientific assessment of industrial by-products is a prerequisite for their integration into agricultural practice. It is expected that the results of the long-term studies will help establish an evidence base for using IOTs to combat iron deficiency in degraded soils, as well as to increase the concentration of this element in produce, which contributes to the development of biofortification of crops.

For AM/NS India, this project represents an opportunity to reduce long-term storage volumes of production waste. The implementation of this initiative is viewed as a step toward adopting circular economy principles, combining environmental responsibility with support for sustainable agriculture.